CV Writing

Writing the perfect Microsoft technology CV

At Dot Net Resourcing, we value our candidates as people, not products. With this in mind we take a vested interest in the presentation of our candidates; from arranging transport, to dress code and interview preparation.

Writing a strong CV is your first step towards securing a new position. It gives potential employers an initial impression of you and can even be more important than the interview itself.

HR professionals spend around 6-10 seconds deciding whether or not to consider a candidate’s CV. In this time they will focus on current and previous title, company, position, education, as well as start and end dates. Therefore, you should arrange this information in a clear visual hierarchy, away from elements that might distract or otherwise hamper the client’s decision-making process.

THE CV SCREEN

The manager recruiting for the position that you apply for will be faced with an enormous pile of CVs which will likely be split into 3 piles:

Yes – Interview

No – Reject

Maybe – Revisit if Yes pile fails

For your CV to land in the Yes pile it must clearly state the skills you have to offer, ideally with your most relevant skills listed at the top. An initial scan of your CV takes only a second so your skill-set needs to be discernible – this is particularly important in technical recruitment. Check out our data-oriented "Yes and No" Guide for passing the initial CV screening.

Yes

Writing in the 3rd person with active verbs

Highlight technical skills and organise them according to the position

Provide extensive details on your past/current position and what the work entails

State numbers to emphasise success in past projects

Include an objective that sets out what you are looking for from your next employment.

For example, researching the company and its employee might afford you some insight into whose desk your CV will land on. It is likewise advisable to break down your technical skills by project, the number of staff involved, timescale, technologies worked with and your personal role could all be relevant and impressive details for your prospective employer.